Penn State will try to end one of its most successful runs in program history in Orlando.

The Nittany Lions will attempt to earn their third straight season of double digit victories on New Year's Day in the Citrus Bowl — something they haven't accomplished in three decades (1980-82).

Standing in the way will be Kentucky, a surprise 9-3 finisher and Top 15 team from the SEC.

Certainly, this marks a long ride from the summer of 2012, when national analysts predicted that it would take Penn State a decade to recover from NCAA sanctions. A New Year's Day victory also would lesson the sting of another season that ended so close to so much more.

"When you can do something that's never been done at Penn State before in the Big Ten era, that's a pretty strong statement," coach James Franklin said after the bowl announcement. "We've played some pretty good football here for a long time.

"It's something our senior class can be really proud of. ... There's not a whole lot of teams in the country who have been able to do what we’ve been able to do over the past few years."

Penn State came into the weekend ranked 12th in the College Football Playoff rankings and eyeing yet another New Year's Six bowl bid like the Peach in Atlanta. Turns out the Lions just missed.

Despite those NCAA sanctions, Penn State has earned 14 consecutive winning seasons and has qualified for five bowl games under Franklin.

And the Lions haven't played No. 14 Kentucky since a bowl meeting after the 1998 season. Then, LaVar Arrington and Penn State's intimidating defense wrapped up stud quarterback Tim Couch in the second half of an Outback Bowl victory in Tampa.

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Penn State's Daniel George (86) leaps over Maryland's RaVon Davis (2) after a catch during the first half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. Chris Knight, AP

Penn State's Shaka Toney (18) blocks a pass by Maryland quarterback Tyrrell Pigrome (3) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. Penn State won 38-3. Chris Knight, AP

Maryland's RaVon Davis (2) strips the ball from Penn State's Miles Sanders (24) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. Penn State won 38-3. Chris Knight, AP

Penn State's Shareef Miller (48) drops Maryland's Avery Edwatds (82) for a loss during the second half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. Penn State won 38-3. Chris Knight, AP

Maryland's JeShaun Jones (6) catches a pass in front of Penn State's Cam Brown (6) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. Penn State won 38-3. Chris Knight, AP

Penn State's Cam Brown (6) tackles Maryland quarterback Tyrrell Pigrome (3) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. Penn State won 38-3. Chris Knight, AP

Penn State's Ellis Brooks (13) and Tariq Castro-Fields (5) bring down Maryland's Javon Leake (20) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. Penn State won 38-3. Chris Knight, AP

Maryland Interim head coach Matt Canada works on the sidelines as the team takes on Penn State during the second half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. Penn State won 38-3. Chris Knight, AP

Penn State's Micah Parsons (11) drags down Maryland's Javon Leake (20) for a loss during the second half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. Penn State won 38-3. Chris Knight, AP

Penn State's KJ Hamler (1) gets past Maryland's Ayinde Eley (16) after a catch during the second half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. Penn State won 38-3. Chris Knight, AP

Penn State head coach James Franklin, congratulates his players after a touchdown against Maryland during the second half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. Penn State won 38-3. Chris Knight, AP

Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley (9) reacts after scoring his second rushing touchdown against Maryland during the first half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. Chris Knight, AP

Penn State's KJ Hamler (1) catches a pass in front of Maryland's Darnell Savage Jr. (4) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. Chris Knight, AP

Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley (9) runs in for a touchdown in front of Maryland's Antwaine Richardson (20) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. Chris Knight, AP

Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley (9) looks to pass as Maryland's Tre Watson (33) applies the pressure during the first half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. Chris Knight, AP